Machu Picchu gets a new boost as Peru and South Korea team up to safeguard its heritage

Signed this week by the Korea Heritage Service (KHS) and the Peruvian Ministry of Culture, the memorandum of understanding (MOU) marks the beginning of a joint initiative aimed at protecting and managing the historic sanctuary with long-term sustainability in mind.

Starting in 2026, the project, part of South Korea’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) program, will focus on assessing Machu Picchu’s current conservation status. The ancient Inca citadel, known for its breathtaking scenery and cultural importance, continues to face challenges from increasing visitor traffic and the effects of climate change.

As part of the plan, experts from Peru and South Korea will work on developing a comprehensive preservation strategy that includes digital documentation, structural restoration, and preventive conservation efforts of Machu Picchu. According to the KHS, the initiative will create a model for responsible tourism and heritage protection.

In addition to on-site work, the agreement covers a variety of cultural and educational collaborations. These include academic exchanges, joint events and conferences, and the sharing of heritage management practices between both countries.

While South Korea has mainly focused its heritage-related ODA projects in Asia and, more recently, in Egypt, this partnership marks the country’s first major cultural initiative in the Americas.

What is Machu Picchu?

Built around 1450 and nestled high in the Andes of Cusco’s Urubamba province, Machu Picchu remains one of the most visited and admired historical destinations in the world. This new collaboration aims to ensure that its legacy endures for generations of travelers to come.

Take note...

If you want to experience this wonder, don’t hesitate to visit it with our Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco. You will be surprised!